Steve Hayner, professor of Evangelism and new president of Columbia Seminary spoke at an Evangelism breakfast I attended Thursday morning at 7:00 am. After Plenary session ended Wednesday night at 10, I did determine that Evangelism is always difficult and even more so at 7am – at least we had coffee.
The thing I learned is that Evangelism is not about Church Growth. It is not about member management, “buildings, budgets and butts”. Getting people into your church is “Not the point”. Evangelism is only about Christ, letting people know how Christ has a positive affect in your life.
I realize that thinking only about getting people to our church (congregation or denomination) is selfish and self serving. Our church, our exact form or worship may not be for everybody but Christ is for everybody. Evangelize Christ, not just the church. Tell someone of Christ first and then invite them to church but if they don’t want to go to your church, encourage them to seek growth in Christ by attending other churches, bible studies, mission projects or other forms of Christian fellowship
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Our church( and Presbytery) has begun the Evangelism of Christ, not any one particular church. It was so enthusiastically accepted by our presbytery that I was stunned, but proud. Our 'Evangelists' are seeking seekers of the word in new and unique ways that suit each person. We believe that many young adults are being lost to the church because they don't like the traditional forms of worship, but they are spiritual and want to learn about Christ and the church in new ways.
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